The books in this series are written primarily for two types of clientele: those engaged in educational planning and administration, in developing as well as developed countries; and those, such as senior government officials and policy-makers, seeking a more general understanding of educational planning and how it relates to national development. They are intended to be of use either for private study or in formal training programmes.

School-based ManagementThe purpose of this book is to review the origins and basic features of the concept of decentralization of school management or school-based management. Although many bodies, national and international, are advocating its implementation, with the aim of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of school education, the topic is fairly controversial.

As argued in the book, the rationale for many such reforms has been generated by business-oriented proponents or politicians, in response to economic considerations, more than by educationalists concerned with improving equity, social justice or equality of educational opportunity.

Many researchers now emphasize the importance of strong school leadership, as well as community and parental involvement in improving school effectiveness. The book provides a detailed account of a range of views from various camps on the reform, with an evaluation of its educational imperatives.